Sales data processing device and program

Abstract

We provide a sales data processing device and program that facilitates smooth communication with various customers. [Solution] The sales data processing device according to the embodiment comprises a voice acquisition control unit, a generation unit, a translation unit, and a display control unit. The voice acquisition control unit acquires the voices of the store clerk and the customer. The generation unit generates a first sentence that shows the content of the conversation of the voices. The translation unit generates a second sentence by translating the first sentence generated by the generation unit. The display control unit displays the second sentence translated by the translation unit.

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sales data processing apparatus and a program. [[Background Art]]

[0002] In recent years, inbound demand has increased along with the increase in foreign tourists and the like. For example, when a foreign tourist wants to know detailed information about a product sold at a store, the foreign tourist asks a store clerk about the product.

[0003] However, if a store clerk cannot speak a foreign language such as English, it is difficult for the store clerk to communicate with foreign tourists. Therefore, the store clerk cannot explain the product to foreign tourists. In addition, store clerks need to communicate with foreign tourists on various contents, not limited to product descriptions. [[Summary of the Invention]] [[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sales data processing apparatus and a program that facilitate smooth communication with various customers. [[Means for Solving the Problem]]

[0005] A sales data processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a voice acquisition control unit, a generation unit, a translation unit, and a display control unit. The voice acquisition control unit acquires respective voices of a store clerk and a customer. The generation unit generates a first sentence indicating the conversation content of the voices. The translation unit generates a second sentence by translating the first sentence generated by the generation unit. The display control unit displays the second sentence translated by the translation unit. [[Brief Description of the Drawings]]

[0006] [Figure 1]Figure 1 shows an example of a POS (Point of Sale) system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a POS terminal according to the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the nationality language table. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of a product master. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a content server according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of a content table. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a POS terminal in a POS system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a product registration image. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a customer notification image. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a translated text image. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a translated text image. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a translated text image. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of conversation display processing performed by a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a POS terminal and a content server included in the POS system according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a product registration image. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of an image for product code input. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of a content image. [Figure 18]Figure 18 shows an example of a registration confirmation image. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of content display processing performed by a POS terminal according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following describes in detail embodiments of the sales data processing device and program with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are merely one example of the sales data processing device and program, and do not limit their configuration or specifications.

[0008] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example of a POS (Point of Sale) system 1 according to the first embodiment. The POS system 1 has a plurality of POS terminals 10 and a content server 20. The POS terminals 10 and the content server 20 are connected to each other via a network 30 so as to be able to communicate. Note that the POS system 1 shown in Figure 1 is just an example, and the number of each device can be changed arbitrarily. Furthermore, the POS system 1 may have devices not shown in Figure 1.

[0009] POS terminals 10 are installed in each store. POS terminals 10 perform product registration processing to register products for sale, and accounting processing to pay for the products registered through the product registration process. POS terminals 10 are also called registration and accounting devices.

[0010] The content server 20 is a server device that manages content. The content server 20 transmits content to the POS terminal 10. The POS terminal 10 then displays the content received from the content server 20.

[0011] In the POS system 1 as described above, the POS terminal 10 acquires voices respectively uttered by a store clerk and a customer. The POS terminal 10 also converts the acquired voices into audio information. Then, the POS terminal 10 displays voice text information obtained by converting the audio information into text. Furthermore, the POS terminal 10 may translate the content of the voice text information into a language used by the customer and display the translated content.

[0012] Next, the hardware configuration of each device of the POS system 1 will be described.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 10 according to the embodiment. The POS terminal 10 includes a processor 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a storage unit 103, a communication unit 104, an operation unit 105, a first display unit 106, a second display unit 107, a first microphone 108, a second microphone 109, and a reading unit 110. Each of these units is connected via an internal bus 111.

[0014] The processor 101 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the POS terminal 10, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The RAM 102 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. Then, the processor 101 uses the RAM 102 as a work area to execute the control program 131 and the like stored in the storage unit 103.

[0015] The storage unit 103 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. For example, the storage unit 103 stores the control program 131, a nationality-language table 132, and a product master 133.

[0016] The control program 131 is a program for causing the POS terminal 10 to exert the functions it has. The control program 131 includes a program that exerts the characteristic functions according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of the Nationality Language Table 132. The Nationality Language Table 132 is an information table in which the main languages ​​used in each country are registered. The Nationality Language Table 132 associates nationality identification information with language identification information. Nationality identification information is identification information used to identify a nationality. Language identification information is identification information used to identify a language. Note that in some countries, multiple languages ​​may be used. For example, in Canada, English and French are used as the main languages. Therefore, the Nationality Language Table 132 may associate multiple language identification information with a single nationality identification information.

[0018] Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the product master 133. The product master 133 contains various information about products sold in stores. The product master 133 associates product codes, product information, and content identification information. The product code is identification information used to identify a product. Product information is information about the product. For example, product information includes information such as the product name and price.

[0019] Content identification information is information used to identify content related to a product. For example, content identification information includes location information indicating the placement of the content and content identification information for identifying the content. Location information may be information indicating a device that stores the content, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a web page that displays product information on an e-commerce site, information indicating the path where the content is located, information indicating a database that contains the content, or other information.

[0020] The communication unit 104 is a wired communication device such as a network interface card. For example, the communication unit 104 communicates with an external device via a LAN (Local Area Network) cable (not shown).

[0021] The control unit 105 is an input device that accepts various operations such as keyboard and mouse inputs.

[0022] The first display unit 106 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The first display unit 106 may also have a touch panel that accepts operation by detecting the position of touch on the display surface. The first display unit 106 is positioned so that the display surface is facing the store clerk for them to see.

[0023] The second display unit 107 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The second display unit 107 may also have a touch panel that accepts operation by detecting the position of touch on the display surface. The display surface of the second display unit 107 is oriented towards the customer so that it can be shown to the customer.

[0024] The first microphone 108 is a device that converts sound into electrical signals. The first microphone 108 acquires the sound emitted by the store clerk at the POS terminal 10. In other words, the first microphone 108 acquires the voice of the store clerk.

[0025] The second microphone 109 is a device that converts sound into electrical signals. The second microphone 109 acquires the sound emitted by the customer at the POS terminal 10. In other words, the second microphone 109 acquires the customer's voice.

[0026] The reading unit 110 is a scanner that reads passport information from a passport.

[0027] Furthermore, the POS terminal 10 may also include a scanner for reading product codes, a money processing device for receiving money for goods and dispensing change according to the amount inserted, a payment device for executing payments using credit cards or electronic money, and a printer for printing receipts showing transaction details.

[0028] Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a content server 20 according to an embodiment. The content server 20 comprises a processor 201, RAM 202, storage unit 203, communication unit 204, operation unit 205, and display unit 206. These units are connected via an internal bus 207.

[0029] The processor 201 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the content server 20, including the CPU. The RAM 202 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The processor 201 then uses the RAM 202 as a work area to execute control programs 231 and the like stored in the storage unit 203.

[0030] The storage unit 203 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory. For example, the storage unit 203 stores the control program 231 and the content table 232.

[0031] The control program 231 is a program that enables the content server 20 to perform its functions. The control program 231 includes a program that enables characteristic functions of the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 shows an example of the data structure of content table 232. Content table 232 is an information table in which various information about content is registered. Content table 232 contains content identification information, content information, and inventory information. Content identification information is identification information for identifying content. Content information is content related to a product. For example, content information may be a web page containing information about a product on an e-commerce site that sells products. That is, content information may be text, images, or videos contained in a web page, or it may be a URL for identifying a web page. Inventory information is information that indicates the inventory of the product corresponding to the content information.

[0033] The communication unit 204 is a wired communication device such as a network interface card. For example, the communication unit 204 communicates with an external device via a LAN cable (not shown).

[0034] The control unit 205 is an input device that accepts various operations such as keyboard and mouse inputs.

[0035] The display unit 206 is a device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0036] Next, the functions of the POS terminal 10 provided by the POS system 1 will be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the POS terminal 10 provided by the POS system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0037] The processor 101 of the POS terminal 10 loads the control program 131 stored in the memory unit 103 into the RAM 102 and generates each functional unit in the RAM 102 by operating according to the control program 131. As a result, the processor 101 of the POS terminal 10 includes the following functional units: operation control unit 1001, product registration unit 1002, accounting processing unit 1003, reading control unit 1004, language setting unit 1005, text conversion processing unit 1006, translation processing unit 1007, and display control unit 1008.

[0038] The operation control unit 1001 accepts various operations via the operation unit 105, the touch panel of the first display unit 106, and the touch panel of the second display unit 107.

[0039] The product registration unit 1002 performs a product registration process to register products to be sold. More specifically, when the product registration unit 1002 obtains a product code, it registers the product identified by the obtained product code as a product to be sold. The product registration unit 1002 may obtain the product code by any method. For example, the product registration unit 1002 may obtain the product code read by a scanner connected to the POS terminal 10, or it may obtain the product code identified by an operation received by the operation control unit 1001, or it may obtain the product code by any other method.

[0040] The accounting processing unit 1003 performs accounting processing to pay for one or more items registered through the product registration process. For example, the accounting processing unit 1003 controls a cash processing device or payment terminal connected to the POS terminal 10 to perform accounting processing. The accounting processing unit 1003 calculates the total amount of one or more items registered through the product registration process. The accounting processing unit 1003 also calculates the change when cash is inserted into the cash processing device. The accounting processing unit 1003 then causes the cash processing device to dispense the change. The accounting processing unit 1003 also performs accounting processing in conjunction with a payment terminal that performs cashless payments.

[0041] The reading control unit 1004 controls the reading unit 110 to read the passport. By reading the passport, the reading control unit 1004 obtains passport information containing the contents of the passport. The passport information includes nationality identification information indicating the nationality of the passport holder. The POS terminal 10 then estimates the language used by the customer with the passport based on the nationality identification information contained in the passport information.

[0042] Here, passport information is required for tax exemption. The POS terminal 10 can estimate the language used by the customer by using the passport information used for tax exemption, without requiring any additional input.

[0043] The language setting unit 1005 manages translation language settings that indicate which language to translate the voice-text information, which is the text generated from the speech of the store clerk and the customer. The POS terminal 10 translates the text contained in the voice-text information into the language indicated by the translation language setting.

[0044] More specifically, the language setting unit 1005 initially sets the translation language setting to the standard language used in the country where the POS terminal 10 is installed. Here, the initial state is the state in which the language used to translate voice-text information has not been changed for a given transaction. The standard language is one of the languages ​​selected as the standard language used in the country where the POS terminal 10 is installed. In other words, the language setting unit 1005 sets the translation language setting to the standard language at the start of a transaction on the POS terminal 10. For example, if the POS terminal 10 is installed in Japan, the language setting unit 1005 sets the translation language setting to Japanese, the language used in Japan.

[0045] Furthermore, the language setting unit 1005 sets the language for translating the voice-to-text information to English when English is selected. For example, when the language setting unit 1005 receives an operation to select English, it sets English as the translation language.

[0046] Furthermore, if it is selected to estimate the language from the nationality identification information contained in the passport information, the language setting unit 1005 sets the translation language setting based on the nationality language table 132. That is, the language setting unit 1005 sets the language identified by the language identification information associated with the same nationality identification information as the nationality identification information contained in the passport information in the nationality language table 132 as the translation language setting.

[0047] Furthermore, the language setting unit 1005 may not be able to obtain a single language identification information from the nationality language table 132. For example, the language setting unit 1005 may not be able to obtain a single language identification information if multiple language identification information is associated with a nationality identification information in the nationality language table 132. Also, the language setting unit 1005 may not be able to obtain a single language identification information if no nationality identification information is registered in the nationality language table 132. In such cases, the language setting unit 1005 sets English as the translation language setting.

[0048] Furthermore, the language setting unit 1005 may acquire nationality identification information by means other than reading passport information. For example, the language setting unit 1005 acquires nationality identification information selected from the nationality selection image displayed on the second display unit 107. For example, the language selection image includes a list of flag images showing national flags and a list of country name texts showing country names. The language setting unit 1005 acquires nationality identification information corresponding to the country selected by the customer from the list contained in the nationality selection image. Then, in the nationality language table 132, the language setting unit 1005 sets the language identified by the language identification information associated with the same nationality identification information as the acquired nationality identification information as the translation language setting.

[0049] The text processing unit 1006 acquires the voices of both the store clerk and the customer. This is an example of a voice acquisition control unit. The text processing unit 1006 also converts the acquired voices into text. That is, the text processing unit 1006 generates voice-text information that indicates the content of the voice conversation. The text processing unit 1006 is an example of a generation unit. More specifically, the text processing unit 1006 generates voice-text information by converting the utterances contained in the voice data of the store clerk acquired by the first microphone 108 into text. The text processing unit 1006 also generates voice-text information by converting the utterances contained in the voice data of the customer acquired by the second microphone 109 into text. For example, the text processing unit 1006 generates voice-text information by converting the utterances contained in the voice data into text using artificial intelligence. The text processing unit 1006 may also use artificial intelligence to identify whether the voice belongs to the customer or the other customer.

[0050] The translation processing unit 1007 generates translated text information by translating the speech-text information generated by the text conversion processing unit 1006. The translation processing unit 1007 is an example of a translation unit. The translation processing unit 1007 translates the text contained in the speech-text information into the language specified by the translation language setting. In other words, the translation processing unit 1007 displays the translated text information obtained by translating the text contained in the speech-text information into the language specified by the translation language setting.

[0051] Here, the translation language setting is configured such that when the read control unit 1004 reads the passport information, the language corresponding to the nationality information contained in the passport information is set, and when the read control unit 1004 does not read the passport information, English is set. Therefore, the translation processing unit 1007 translates the passport information into the language corresponding to the nationality information contained in the passport information when the read control unit 1004 reads it, and translates it into English when the read control unit 1004 does not read the passport information.

[0052] Furthermore, if the language of the text included in the speech-text information matches the language indicated by the translation language setting, the translation processing unit 1007 does not need to translate. In other words, if the text included in the speech-text information is in Japanese and the language indicated by the translation language setting is Japanese, the translation processing unit 1007 does not need to translate. In this case, the speech-text information is treated as translated text information.

[0053] The display control unit 1008 displays various images on at least one of the first display unit 106 and the second display unit 107. The display control unit 1008 also displays translated text information translated by the translation processing unit 1007.

[0054] Figure 8 shows an example of a product registration image G1. The display control unit 1008 displays the product registration image G1 on the first display unit 106 during the product registration process. The product registration image G1 is an image that displays information about the product registered through the product registration process. The product registration image G1 includes a product list display area G11, an accounting information display area G12, a translation button G13, an English button G14, and a multilingual button G15. The product list display area G11 is an area that displays the name, unit price, number of registered items, discount amount, and total amount of the product registered through the product registration process. The accounting information display area G12 is an area that displays the number of purchased items, total amount, amount received, and billing amount of the product registered through the product registration process.

[0055] The translation button G13 is a button that accepts the operation to display an image of the conversation between the store clerk and the customer transcribed into text. The English button G14 is a button that accepts the operation to display an image of the conversation between the store clerk and the customer transcribed into text and translated into English. The multilingual button G15 is a button that accepts the operation to display an image of the conversation between the store clerk and the customer transcribed into text and translated into the language identified by the nationality identification information contained in the passport information.

[0056] Figure 9 shows an example of a customer notification image G2. The display control unit 1008 displays the customer notification image G2 on the second display unit 107 during the product registration process. The customer notification image G2 is an image containing the content to be notified to the customer. Note that the display control unit 1008 may display the customer notification image G2 on the second display unit 107 not only during the product registration process, but also during the accounting process, or at other times.

[0057] The customer notification image G2 has a registration notification area G21 and an advertising notification area G22. The registration notification area G21 is an area that displays information about the registered product during the product registration process. For example, the registration notification area G21 displays the name of the last registered product, the price of the last registered product, and the total price of the products registered through the product registration process. The advertising notification area G22 is an area that displays advertisements.

[0058] Figure 10 shows an example of a translated text image G3. The display control unit 1008 displays the translated text image G3 on the second display unit 107 based on the translated text information translated by the translation processing unit 1007. The translated text image G3 has a translated text display area G31 on which the translated text information is displayed.

[0059] The display control unit 1008 displays translated text information indicating what the store clerk said and translated text information indicating what the customer said in the translated text display area G31 in a way that allows for distinction. The display control unit 1008 also displays the speaker in the translated text information in a way that allows for distinction. In this way, by displaying the speaker in a way that allows for distinction by the display control unit 1008, the customer can understand whether the text indicates what the store clerk said or what the customer said. Furthermore, the display control unit 1008 displays the translated text information in chronological order in the translated text display area G31. That is, the display control unit 1008 displays the translated text information indicating what the store clerk said and translated text information indicating what the customer said in chronological order in the translated text display area G31 in a way that allows for distinction. In this way, by displaying the information in chronological order by the display control unit 1008, the customer can understand the order in which the content indicated by the text was spoken.

[0060] In the translated text display area G31 of the translated text image G3 shown in Figure 10, the translated text information indicating what the store clerk said is placed on the left, and the translated text information indicating what the customer said is placed on the left. Note that this arrangement is just one example; the translated text information indicating what the store clerk said may be placed on the right, and the translated text information indicating what the customer said may be placed on the left. Furthermore, the translated text information may be placed in other positions as well.

[0061] Figure 11 shows an example of a translated text image G3a. The display control unit 1008 may display the translated text image G3a having an advertising area G32 on the second display unit 107. The translated text image G3a shown in Figure 9 has a translated text display area G31 and an advertising area G32. The advertising area G32 is an area for displaying advertisements that are relevant to the customer. For example, the display control unit 1008 may display an advertisement in the advertising area G32 based on information received from the content server 20, or it may display an advertisement in the advertising area G32 based on information received from another server.

[0062] Figure 12 shows an example of a translated text image G3b. The display control unit 1008 may display the translated text image G3b, which has a registration notification area G33, on the second display unit 107. The translated text image G3b shown in Figure 12 has a translated text display area G31, an advertisement area G32, and a registration notification area G33. The registration notification area G33 is an area that displays information about the registered product during the product registration process. For example, the registration notification area G33 is an area that displays the name of the last registered product, the price of the last registered product, and the total price of the products registered by the product registration process.

[0063] Next, we will explain the processes performed by the various devices included in POS system 1.

[0064] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a conversation display process performed by the POS terminal 10 according to this embodiment.

[0065] The display control unit 1008 displays the product registration image G1 on the first display unit 106 (step S1).

[0066] The operation control unit 1001 determines whether the translation button G13 for the product registration image G1 has been pressed (step S2). If the translation button G13 has not been pressed (step S2; No), the POS terminal 10 waits.

[0067] If the translation button G13 is pressed (step S2; Yes), the language setting unit 1005 sets the translation language setting to the standard language commonly used in the country where the POS terminal 10 is installed (step S3).

[0068] The text processing unit 1006 determines whether or not audio data has been acquired (step S4). If audio data has not been acquired (step S4; No), the POS terminal 10 proceeds to step S8.

[0069] If audio data is acquired (Step S4; Yes), the text processing unit 1006 generates audio-text information by converting the audio data into text (Step S5).

[0070] The translation processing unit 1007 generates translated text information by translating the text of the speech-text information into the language of the translation language setting (step S6).

[0071] The display control unit 1008 displays the translated text images G3, G3a, and G3b on the second display unit 107 based on the translated text information (step S7). Then, the POS terminal 10 proceeds to step S4.

[0072] The operation control unit 1001 determines whether the English button G14 of the product registration image G1 has been pressed (step S8). If the English button G14 has not been pressed (step S8; No), the POS terminal 10 proceeds to step S11.

[0073] If the English button G14 is pressed (step S8; Yes), the language setting unit 1005 determines whether or not it is the first time the English button G14 has been pressed (step S9). In other words, the language setting unit 1005 determines whether or not the translation language setting is English. If it is not the first time the English button G14 has been pressed (step S9; No), the POS terminal 10 proceeds to step S17.

[0074] If the English button G14 is pressed for the first time (step S9; Yes), the language setting unit 1005 sets the translation language setting to English (step S10). Then, the POS terminal 10 proceeds to step S4.

[0075] The operation control unit 1001 determines whether or not the multilingual button G15 of the product registration image G1 has been pressed (step S8). If the multilingual button G15 has not been pressed (step S11; No), the POS terminal 10 proceeds to step S16.

[0076] If the multilingual button G15 is pressed (step S11; Yes), the language setting unit 1005 determines whether or not it is the first time the multilingual button G15 has been pressed (step S12). In other words, the language setting unit 1005 determines whether or not the language based on the passport information is set as the translation language setting. If it is not the first time the multilingual button G15 has been pressed (step S12; No), the POS terminal 10 proceeds to step S17.

[0077] If the multi-language button G15 is pressed for the first time (step S12; Yes), the language setting unit 1005 obtains the passport information acquired by the reading control unit 1004 (step S13).

[0078] The language setting unit 1005 obtains the language identified by the language identification information associated with the same nationality identification information as the nationality identification information contained in the passport information, based on the nationality language table 132 (step S14).

[0079] The language setting unit 1005 sets the acquired language as the translation language setting (step S15). Then, the POS terminal 10 proceeds to step S4.

[0080] The operation control unit 1001 determines whether the translation button G13 of the product registration image G1 has been pressed (step S16). If the translation button G13 has not been pressed (step S16; No), the POS terminal 10 proceeds to step S4.

[0081] If the translation button G13 is not pressed (step S16; Yes), the display control unit 1008 erases the translated text images G3, G3a, and G3b (step S17).

[0082] As a result, the POS terminal 10 terminates the conversation display process.

[0083] As described above, the POS terminal 10 according to the first embodiment acquires the voices of both the store clerk and the customer. The POS terminal 10 generates translated text information by translating the voice-to-text information, which is the text of the voice. Then, based on the translated text information, the POS terminal 10 displays translated text images G3, G3a, and G3b, which represent the translated content of the conversation between the store clerk and the customer. The customer can understand the content of the conversation by looking at the translated text images G3, G3a, and G3b. Therefore, the POS terminal 10 can facilitate smooth communication with various customers.

[0084] (Second embodiment) In the POS system 1 according to the second embodiment, content acquired from the content server 20c is displayed on the second display unit 107 of the POS terminal 10c.

[0085] Recent research indicates that a relatively large number of customers purchase products after obtaining detailed information through the internet or other means. Even when purchasing products in a physical store, these customers want to confirm the product details.

[0086] However, obtaining information about products sold in stores from the internet can sometimes take a lot of time.

[0087] The POS terminal 10c displays the content obtained from the content server 20c on the second display unit 107. For further details, the customer brings the product for which they want to know more information to the POS terminal 10c. The POS terminal 10c obtains the product code attached to the product. The POS terminal 10c obtains the content of the product identified by the product code from the content server 20c.

[0088] Next, the functions of the various devices provided by the POS system 1 will be described. Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the POS terminal 10c and content server 20c provided by the POS system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0089] The processor 201 of the content server 20c loads the control program 231 stored in the memory unit 203 into the RAM 202 and generates each functional unit in the RAM 202 by operating according to the control program 231. As a result, the processor 201 of the content server 20c includes a communication control unit 2001, an inventory management unit 2002, and a content management unit 2003 as functional units.

[0090] The communication control unit 2001 controls the communication unit 204 to communicate with the POS terminal 10c. The communication control unit 2001 receives a content request from the POS terminal 10c. Then, as a response to the content request, the communication control unit 2001 sends content information to the POS terminal 10c.

[0091] The Inventory Management Unit 2002 retrieves the inventory quantity of products related to the content information registered in Content Table 232. For example, the Inventory Management Unit 2002 retrieves the inventory quantity of the relevant product from the Inventory Management System.

[0092] Furthermore, the Inventory Management Unit 2002 retrieves the inventory quantity of the relevant product from the store server that manages inventory at each store. In addition, the Inventory Management Unit 2002 retrieves the inventory quantity of the relevant product from the database that contains the inventory quantity of each product on the e-commerce site where the products are sold. Then, the Inventory Management Unit 2002 registers the inventory information indicating the retrieved inventory quantity in the content table 232, associating it with content information related to the relevant product.

[0093] The content management unit 2003 manages content information. The content management unit 2003 retrieves content information from the content table 232 that is associated with the same content identification information as the content identification information included in the content request received by the communication control unit 2001. The content management unit 2003 then sends the retrieved content information to the communication control unit 2001. That is, the communication control unit 2001 sends the content information and the corresponding inventory information to the POS terminal 10c that sent the content request. Note that the communication control unit 2001 does not have to send the inventory information corresponding to the content information.

[0094] The processor 201 of the POS terminal 10c loads the control program 131 stored in the memory unit 103 into the RAM 102 and generates each functional unit in the RAM 102 by operating according to the control program 131. As a result, the processor 201 of the POS terminal 10c includes the following functional units: a communication control unit 1010, an operation control unit 1001c, a product registration unit 1002, an accounting processing unit 1003, a reading control unit 1004, a language setting unit 1005, a text conversion processing unit 1006, a translation processing unit 1007, a content acquisition unit 1011, and a display control unit 1008c.

[0095] The communication control unit 1010 controls the communication unit 104 to communicate with the content server 20c. The communication control unit 1010 sends a content request to the content server 20c to request content. Then, the communication control unit 1010 receives content information from the content server 20c as a response to the content request.

[0096] The operation control unit 1001c, product registration unit 1002, accounting processing unit 1003, reading control unit 1004, language setting unit 1005, and text processing unit 1006 have the same functions as in the first embodiment.

[0097] The translation processing unit 1007 translates the text contained in the content information received by the communication control unit 1010 into the language specified by the translation language setting. The translation processing unit 1007 generates translated content information in which the text contained in the content information has been translated into the language specified by the translation language setting.

[0098] The content acquisition unit 1011 acquires content information for the product the customer wants to know about. More specifically, the content acquisition unit 1011 acquires the product code that indicates the product the customer wants to know about. The content acquisition unit 1011 acquires content identification information associated with the same product code as the acquired product code in the product master 133. The content acquisition unit 1011 acquires content information based on the content identification information. That is, the content acquisition unit 1011 causes the communication control unit 1010 to send a content request containing the content identification information included in the content identification information to the device identified by the content identification information. For example, the content acquisition unit 1011 acquires a web page that displays information about the product identified by the product code on an e-commerce site.

[0099] The display control unit 1008c displays various images on at least one of the first display unit 106 and the second display unit 107. Figure 15 shows an example of a product registration image G1c. In the product registration process, the display control unit 1008c displays the product registration image G1c on the first display unit 106. In addition to the product registration image G1c shown in Figure 15, the product registration image G1c has a product content button G16. The product content button G16 is a button that accepts an operation to display content related to the product.

[0100] Figure 16 shows an example of a product code input image G4. When the product content button G16 is pressed, the display control unit 1008c displays the product code input image G4 on the first display unit 106 or the second display unit 107. The product code input image G4 is an image that accepts the product code of the product the customer wants to know about. The product code input image G4 has a product code input area G41. The product code input area G41 is an input area that accepts the product code of the product the customer wants to know about. For example, the product code input area G41 accepts product codes read by a scanner or other means, or product codes entered through operation.

[0101] The content acquisition unit 1011 acquires the product code entered in the product code input area G41. The content acquisition unit 1011 is an example of a product identification information acquisition unit. The content acquisition unit 1011 acquires the content information of the product identified by the product code entered in the product code input area G41. The content acquisition unit 1011 is an example of a product identification information acquisition unit. That is, the communication control unit 1010 receives the content information of the product identified by the product code entered in the product code input area G41, and inventory information indicating the number of units in stock of that product. Note that the communication control unit 1010 does not need to receive inventory information.

[0102] Figure 17 shows an example of content image G5. The display control unit 1008c displays content image G5 on the second display unit 107 based on the content information and inventory information received by the communication control unit 1010. Content image G5 is an image of content related to the product.

[0103] Content image G5 includes the product name G51, product image G52, product description G53, product price G54, and product stock quantity G55. The display control unit 1008c may display any information related to the product as content image G5. That is, content image G5 does not necessarily have to include all of the information shown in Figure 17, nor does it have to include other information. Furthermore, the display control unit 1008c may display a web page as content image G5 that displays information about a product identified by a product code on an e-commerce site.

[0104] Figure 18 shows an example of a registration confirmation image G6. When the display control unit 1008c displays the content image G5, it displays the registration confirmation image G6 on the first display unit 106. Here, the content image G5 is an image of content related to a product identified by the product code entered in the product code input area G41. On the other hand, the registration confirmation image G6 is an image that accepts the operation of whether or not to register the product related to the content image G5 as a product to be sold. The registration confirmation image G6 prompts the user to operate with the message, "If you want to register the product, select "Register". If you do not want to purchase it, select "Close".

[0105] Furthermore, the registration confirmation image G6 has a registration button G61 and a close button G62. The registration button G61 is a button that accepts the operation to register the product in content image G5 as a product to be sold. In other words, the registration button G61 is a button that registers the product identified by the product code entered in the product code input area G41 as a product to be sold. The close button G62 is a button that cancels the product registration of the product in content image G5. That is, the display control unit 1008c erases the registration confirmation image G6 when the close button G62 is pressed.

[0106] Next, we will explain the processes performed by the various devices included in POS system 1.

[0107] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing an example of content display processing performed by the POS terminal 10c according to this embodiment.

[0108] The display control unit 1008c displays the product registration image G1c on the first display unit 106 (step S21).

[0109] The operation control unit 1001c determines whether or not the product content button G16 has been pressed (step S22). If the product content button G16 has not been pressed (step S22; No), the operation control unit 1001c remains in standby mode.

[0110] If the product content button G16 is pressed (step S22; Yes), the display control unit 1008c displays the product code input image G4 on the first display unit 106 (step S23).

[0111] The content acquisition unit 1011 acquires the product code received in the product code input area G41 of the product code input image G4 (step S24).

[0112] The content acquisition unit 1011 acquires content information and inventory information corresponding to the acquired product code from the content server 20c (step S25). That is, the content acquisition unit 1011 acquires content identification information corresponding to the acquired product code from the product master 133. Based on the content identification information, the communication control unit 1010 sends a content request containing content identification information to the content server 20c. The communication control unit 1010 also receives content information and inventory information from the content server 20c as a response to the content request.

[0113] The display control unit 1008c displays the content image G5 on the second display unit 107 based on the content information and inventory information (step S26).

[0114] The display control unit 1008c displays a registration confirmation image G6 on the first display unit 106, which accepts an operation to register the product related to the content image G5 as a product to be sold (step S27).

[0115] The operation control unit 1001c determines whether or not the registration button G61 has been pressed (step S28). If the registration button G61 has not been pressed (step S28; No), the operation control unit 1001c determines whether or not the close button G62 has been pressed (step S29).

[0116] If the close button G62 is not pressed (step S29; No), the operation control unit 1001c proceeds to step S28. If the close button G62 is pressed (step S29; Yes), the operation control unit 1001c proceeds to step S31.

[0117] If the registration button G61 is pressed (step S28; Yes), the product registration unit 1002 registers the product of content image G5 as a product for sale (step S30).

[0118] The display control unit 1008c erases the content image G5 (step S31).

[0119] As a result, the POS terminal 10c terminates the content display process.

[0120] As described above, the POS terminal 10c according to the second embodiment acquires a product code for identifying the product. The POS terminal 10c also displays a content image G5 having content identified by the product code. By displaying this information, customers can check the details of the product. Furthermore, if the content image G5 is a web page for a product identified by a product code on the e-commerce site, the administrator does not need to prepare the content. Therefore, the POS terminal 10c can display the product content that customers want while reducing the administrator's effort in managing content. In addition, the POS terminal 10c can facilitate communication with various customers by translating the content.

[0121] (Variation 1) The POS terminals 10 and 10c according to the first and second embodiments have a first display unit 106 and a second display unit 107. However, the POS terminals 10 and 10c may have a transparent display instead of the first display unit 106 and the second display unit 107. The transparent display is a display that allows images to be viewed from both the store clerk's side and the customer's side, opposite the store clerk's side. The transparent display allows the store clerk to provide service by aligning their eye level with the customer's eye level. Furthermore, the store clerk can view various images such as translated text images G3, G3a, and G3b together with the customer.

[0122] (Modification 2) In the first and second embodiments, the POS terminals 10 and 10c display the translated text images G3, G3a, and G3b on the second display unit 107. That is, the POS terminals 10 and 10c display the translated text images G3, G3a, and G3b toward the customer. However, the POS terminals 10 and 10c may also display the translated text images G3, G3a, and G3b toward the store clerk. In this case, the POS terminals 10 and 10c may display the translated text images G3, G3a, and G3b on the third display unit facing the store clerk. Alternatively, the POS terminals 10 and 10c may also display the translated text images G3, G3a, and G3b on the first display unit 106 facing the store clerk.

[0123] (Variation 3) The POS terminals 10 and 10c according to the first and second embodiments have a first microphone 108 and a second microphone 109. However, the POS terminals 10 and 10c may acquire audio from both the customer and the store clerk using a single microphone.

[0124] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0125] The programs executed in each of the above embodiments and modified devices shall be provided pre-installed in the storage medium (ROM or storage unit) provided in each device, but are not limited to this. For example, the programs may be configured to be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer or embedded system, but also includes storage media that store or temporarily store programs downloaded from a LAN, the Internet, etc.

[0126] Furthermore, the programs executed by each of the above embodiments and modified devices may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or they may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1. POS (Point of Sale) System 10, 10c POS terminal 20, 20c Content Server 132 Nationality Language Table 133 Product Master 232 Content Table 1001, 1001c Operation Control Unit 1002 Product Registration Department 1003 Accounting Processing Department 1004 Reading Control Unit 1005 Language setting section 1006 Text Processing Unit 1007 Translation Processing Section 1008, 1008c Display Control Unit 1010 Communication Control Unit 1011 Content Acquisition Department 2001 Communication Control Unit 2002 Inventory Management Department 2003 Content Management Department G1, G1c Product Registration Images G2 Customer Notification Image G3, G3a, G3b Translation Text Image G4 Product Code Input Image G5 Content Images G6 Registration Confirmation Image [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0128] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-79136

Claims

1. A voice acquisition control unit that acquires the voices of both the store clerk and the customer, A generation unit that generates a first sentence representing the content of the aforementioned audio conversation, A translation unit generates a second sentence by translating the first sentence generated by the generation unit, A display control unit that displays the second text translated by the translation unit, A sales data processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The display control unit displays the speaker in the second sentence in a way that allows for differentiation. The sales data processing device according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a reading control unit that controls the reading of passport information, including nationality information indicating the nationality of the passport holder, from the passport. The translation unit translates the passport information into the language corresponding to the nationality information contained in the passport information when the read control unit reads the passport information, and translates it into English when the read control unit has not read the passport information. The sales data processing device according to claim 1.

4. A product identification information acquisition unit that acquires product identification information to identify a product, The system further comprises a content acquisition unit that acquires content relating to a product identified by the product identification information acquired by the product identification information acquisition unit, The display control unit displays the content. The sales data processing device according to claim 1.

5. The content acquisition unit acquires a web page that displays information about the product identified by the product identification information on an e-commerce (Electronic Commerce) site. The display control unit displays the web page. The sales data processing device according to claim 4.

6. Computers, A voice acquisition control unit that acquires the voices of both the store clerk and the customer, A generation unit that generates a first sentence representing the content of the aforementioned audio conversation, A translation unit generates a second sentence by translating the first sentence generated by the generation unit, A display control unit that displays the second text translated by the translation unit, A program to make it work.

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